In a nutshell: Coldplay are back with their fifth studio album, the annoyingly titled Mylo Xyloto. Don’t see why it’s annoying? Consider this, taken out of context it sounds like a strain of bird flu. The boys have even gone so far as to admit that while the title “means nothing” it was really like “naming a child”. What a fortunate child that would be... 

The album will be a surprise for all fans, even those who enjoyed the electro- tinged Viva la Vida. Coldplay are not ones to shy away from different styles and “different” is certainly the operative word for this album.

What’s it like: The album recognises Coldplay’s second attempt to become an electric pop group. Whereas Viva la Vida took baby steps towards this vibe, Mylo Xyloto *exasperated sigh* is a full blast of synth and drums. Unfortunately, while there are some quite enchanting tracks the lack of consistency or solid lyrics fail to make this an overall success.

However, it is not without its rare gems like Charlie Brown, which in reality has Martin’s voice sped up to sound like a chipmunk, giving it a delightful comic undertone. By now, everyone knows Every Teardrop is a Waterfall making it a repetitive track that you will skip every time.

The problem with this album is it does not know what it is, pop, techno or something a lot more relaxed. The lack of strong lyrics or memorable hooks makes it an unfortunate mixture of tracks. Nothing is familiar about the album and it fails to have a running style.

Best Track: Paradise is by far the best track, but I fear that I'm biased due to the fantastic video, which may be trying to compensate for the lack of enjoyable tracks. With an adorable elephant prancing around and a heavenly chorus that you will be humming along with by the end, the song ticks all the boxes. The thing about this track is it seems to be the only one that displays reminiscent of previous works. If you haven’t seen the video yet get off the bookface and check it out. Warm, fuzzy feelings guaranteed.

Worst Track: Moving to Mars makes me want to move far, far, faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar away from the speakers. It pales in comparison to the more upbeat tracks and drags on agonizingly. Like awkward conversations with your dentist, extremely painful and wishing it would just be over.

Admittedly, there is more than one questionable track on this album. Hurts like Heaven is a close runner up for worst track. Betraying its indie roots the band launch into a random splurge of lyrics with the repetitive line “And it hurts like heaven”. If you are not a fan of lyrics that have no depth and merely exist to fill space then, AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

Verdict: This album falls flat on its badly named face. The band may have topped the charts with Paradise but after that it a series of unfortunate events. Admittedly, when you have listened to the album once you have heard it all and leaves no impression upon you.

If anything, it leaves a nasty aftertaste in your mouth. Perhaps Coldplay are just moving in the wrong direction and need to go back to the music they are famous for. Save your money or even better, buy William Shatner’s new album.

Elaine McDonald